Valarie Smith

Valarie Smith incurred enormous credit card debt during the ’90s when she lived in NYC and tried to see as many Broadway/ Off Broadway/ Off-Off Broadway plays as she could despite her pittance of a salary. She is a fervent believer in the Edward Albee quote, “If you’re willing to fail interestingly, you tend to succeed interestingly.” Her top five favorite productions (so far) are: True West (Circle in the Square Theatre, 2000), King Henry IV, Part One (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2017), We’re All Mad Here (Shaking the Tree, 2017), Six Degrees of Separation (Lincoln Center, 1991) and Richard II (BAM, 2016).

A rare breed: Portland author Willy Vlautin talks about his new novel, ‘The Horse’

July 27, 2024Valarie Smith

Vlautin discusses the real-life inspiration behind the book, the beauty of disappearing into songs, and why unsuccessful musicians keep chasing their dreams.

Interview: Victor Lodato, author of ‘Honey,’ on art, wish fulfillment, and living in Ashland

June 3, 2024Valarie Smith

In Lodato’s new novel, the elderly daughter of a New Jersey mobster struggles with her family’s legacy of violence and finds salvation in art.

As the solstice nears, an (astrological) look ahead

December 17, 2023Valarie Smith

Breathe in, breathe out: Yes, there'll probably be disasters. But Portland therapist, astrologist, and Pushcart-nominated poet Dr. Mindy Netifee also says the "whole end of the year could be very sweet."

Creature Comforts: The joys of Grimm

January 3, 2023Valarie Smith

The women of the hit TV show "Grimm" team up again to tell behind-the-scenes stories, interview special guests and share their love of Portland in their podcast, "The Grimmcast."

Disappearing act: Willy Vlautin’s new novel, ‘The Night Always Comes,’ captures a vanishing Portland

November 27, 2021Valarie Smith

The Oregon author talks about his love for noir, his writing process, and his fondness for Sam Shepard and Myrna Loy.

Holmes renovation: a classic twist

July 30, 2021Valarie Smith

At the JAW New Play Fest, playwright Kate Hamill takes her updated Watson & Holmes mystery for a trial spin.

Regarding Henrys

June 1, 2021Valarie Smith

Original Practice Shakespeare dives into the "Henry" trio of plays for three straight nights – online.

Seeking Refuge: Enjoy a live performance again

March 10, 2021Valarie Smith

Shaking the Tree’s new multimedia installation offers the electricity of in-person theater in a safe viewing experience.

Better together: Stage & school

December 15, 2020Valarie Smith

Artists Rep and The Actors Conservatory join to create a new teaching and performing dynamic.

Top 10 things I learned about Chip Miller

November 23, 2020Valarie Smith

Portland Center Stage’s associate artistic director: “We are making something new and we are making it very, very fast.”

Love Sugar Sex Magic

November 9, 2020Valarie Smith

Portland Center Stage's online 'Love in the Time of Piñatas' hits the cultural and theatrical sweet spot.